Helmet and facemask assembly and method for affixing and removing a facemask

ABSTRACT

A helmet assembly comprises a helmet, a facemask, and a plurality of female connectors directly or indirectly affixed to the facemask. The helmet comprises an outer shell and a plurality of studs affixed thereto. Each of the plurality of female connectors is (i) selectively matable to a corresponding one of the plurality of studs by pushing the female connector onto the corresponding stud and (ii) selectively releasable from a corresponding one of the plurality of studs by pulling a grasping portion of the female connector and moving the grasping portion along a longitudinal axis of the female connector from a first position to a second position. The facemask is selectively affixable to the outer shell by selectively mating each of the plurality of female connectors to a corresponding stud, and selectively removable from the outer shell by selectively releasing each of the plurality of female connectors from a corresponding stud.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/942,484 filed Mar. 20, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to helmet facemasks and systems for fastening helmet facemasks.

BACKGROUND

Participants in many types of sports wear helmets equipped with facemasks. During the course of such sporting events, there are times in which quick removal of the helmet facemask is required to gain quick access to the athlete's face, neck, and airway. This most often occurs in the event of injury, in which case removing the facemask quickly may be critical to treating the player's injuries.

Conventional helmets with facemasks that are worn today require tools or cutters to gain access to the athlete's face, neck, and airway in the event of an emergency, taking precious time away from medical care. Every second that it takes to gain access to the face, neck, and airway could be life threatening.

What is needed is a helmet and facemask assembly that enables the facemask to be removed from the helmet in just a few seconds to facilitate rapid treatment of a player's injuries.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the invention, a helmet assembly comprises a helmet comprising an outer shell and a plurality of studs affixed to the outer shell, a facemask, and a plurality of female connectors directly or indirectly affixed to the facemask. Each of the plurality of female connectors is (i) selectively matable to a corresponding one of the plurality of studs by pushing the female connector onto the corresponding stud and (ii) selectively releasable from a corresponding one of the plurality of studs by pulling a grasping portion of the female connector and moving the grasping portion along a longitudinal axis of the female connector from a first position to a second position. The facemask is selectively affixable to the outer shell by selectively mating each of the plurality of female connectors to a corresponding one of the plurality of studs. The facemask is selectively removable from the outer shell by selectively releasing each of the plurality of female connectors from a corresponding one of the plurality of studs.

The helmet assembly may further comprise a plurality of loop clamps affixed to the facemask by at least partially encircling a corresponding portion of the facemask. Each of the plurality of female connectors may be affixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps, such that each of the plurality of female connectors is indirectly affixed to the facemask via the corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps.

Each of the plurality of studs may comprise an enlarged head. Each of the plurality of female connectors may comprise a housing comprising a recess and an underside with an opening into the recess, and an actuator movable within the recess and along a longitudinal axis of the housing between a first position in which the actuator engages the corresponding stud to retain the connector to the stud and a second position in which the actuator disengages the corresponding stud to release the connector from the stud. The actuator may comprise (i) the grasping portion which extends outside of the housing and is adapted to enable a user to move the actuator from the first to the second position, (ii) a resilient, radially-expanding enlarged lower portion, and (iii) a middle portion connecting the lower portion to the grasping portion. The recess may have an upper portion sized to receive at least a top portion of the enlarged head of the corresponding stud and a lower portion comprising an inverse frusto-conical shape that is wider at a top end and narrower at a bottom end. The enlarged lower portion of the actuator may extend at least partly under the enlarged head of the corresponding stud when the actuator is in the first position, with the narrower end of the lower portion of the recess restricting outward movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator, thereby trapping the enlarged head of the corresponding stud within the recess and restricting separation of the connector and the corresponding stud. When the actuator is in the second position, the wider end of the lower portion of the recess may allow outward movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator, thereby allowing the enlarged head to exit the recess and allowing separation of the connector and the corresponding stud.

Each of the plurality of female connectors may further comprise a spring to bias the actuator toward the first position.

Each loop clamp may comprise an encircling portion and one or more extended portions projecting from opposite ends of the encircling portion, each extended portion defining a mounting hole. Each of the plurality of female connectors may further comprise a collar that is selectively affixable to a lower portion of the housing. Each of the plurality of female connectors may be affixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps by inserting the lower portion of the housing through the mounting hole of each of the one or more extended portions and affixing the collar to the lower portion of the housing.

In addition to the helmet and facemask assemblies, as described above, other embodiments of the invention are directed to corresponding methods for fastening facemasks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a helmet fastening system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 1 partially affixed to a helmet.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a connector and stud of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 1, in an engaged or fastened position.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the connector and stud of FIG. 3, in a disengaged or unfastened position, and showing cross-sectional line A-A.

FIG. 4B is a front sectional view of the connector and stud of FIG. 4, along line A-A.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the connector and stud of FIG. 3, in the process of engaging or disengaging, and showing cross-sectional line A-A.

FIG. 5B is a front sectional view of the connector and stud of FIG. 5, along line A-A A.

FIG. 6A is a front view of the connector and stud of FIG. 3, in an engaged or fastened position, and showing cross-sectional line A-A.

FIG. 6B is a front sectional view of the connector and stud of FIG. 6A, along line A-A.

FIG. 7 is a front exploded view of the connector and stud of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8A is a front exploded view of the connector and stud of FIG. 3, showing cross-sectional line A-A.

FIG. 8B is a front exploded sectional view of the connector and stud of FIG. 8A, along line A-A.

FIG. 9 is a view of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 1 in position to be affixed to a helmet.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a connector, stud, and recess assembly of a helmet fastening system, in an engaged or fastened position, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the connector, stud, and recess assembly of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 10, in a disengaged or unfastened position.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the stud and recess assembly of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13A is a partial side view of the stud and recess assembly of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 10, mounted to a helmet, showing cross-sectional line A-A.

FIG. 13B is a partial sectional view of the stud and recess assembly of FIG. 13A, along line A-A.

FIG. 14A is a partial side view of a helmet, stud, and recess of a helmet assembly, showing cross-sectional line A-A, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a partial sectional view of the helmet, stud, and recess of FIG. 14B, along line A-A.

FIG. 15A is a partial side view of a helmet, stud, and recess assembly, showing cross-sectional line A-A, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is a partial sectional view of the helmet, stud, and recess assembly of FIG. 15A, along line A-A.

FIG. 16A is a partial side view of a helmet, stud, and recess assembly, showing cross-sectional line A-A, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is a partial sectional view of the helmet, stud, and recess assembly of FIG. 16A, along line A-A.

FIG. 17A is a partial side view of a helmet, stud, and recess assembly, showing cross-sectional line A-A, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17B is a partial sectional view of the helmet, stud, and recess assembly of FIG. 17A, along line A-A.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a helmet and facemask assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the helmet and facemask assembly of FIG. 18, with the facemask separated from the helmet.

FIG. 20 is a partial side view of the quick-release connector of the helmet of the helmet and facemask assembly of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention provide the ability to securely fasten a chinstrap to a helmet, thereby reducing the likelihood that the helmet will unintentionally come off a wearer's head during an impact. The term “helmet” as used herein is intended to be generic, and is intended to encompass any suitable wearable head protection device that is desired to be securely maintained on a wearer's head by way of a securing strap, including but not limited to football helmets, baseball helmets, racing helmets, lacrosse helmets, hockey helmets, or other type of helmets.

Embodiments of the invention use a spring loaded female fastener attached to the chinstrap (which may have a fixed length or may be adjustable) and a matching male fastener attached to the helmet that makes it easy to attach the chinstrap to the helmet and difficult to detach the chinstrap from the helmet unless the plunger is intentionally pulled back (i.e., released or disengaged). This positive connection takes a tremendous amount of force to disengage unless the plunger is pulled back. Embodiments of the invention will keep the chinstrap attached to the helmet and the helmet in place in many situations in which current chinstraps become detached allowing the helmet to come off.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a helmet fastening system is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The helmet fastening system 10 comprises a chinstrap 12 having at least one strap 14 (four straps, as is typically used for football helmet chinstraps, are illustrated in FIG. 1) and a female connector 16 affixed at or near an end of at least one strap. While the chinstrap in FIG. 1 has a connector affixed to each strap, embodiments of the invention may comprise a chinstrap having a connector affixed to fewer than all straps. For example, the chinstrap may have a connector affixed to one or more straps on one side of the chinstrap (therefore being removably affixable to the helmet), while the one or more straps on the opposing side are permanently affixed to the helmet. The helmet fastening system 10 also comprises one or more male studs or posts 18 (one for each connector 16) that are securely affixed to the helmet and to which the connectors may be removably affixed.

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 1 partially affixed to a helmet. FIG. 2 illustrates two studs 18 affixed to the helmet. FIG. 2 illustrates only one side of the helmet 20, however, in a commercial embodiment of the invention as used in conjunction with a football helmet, it is likely (although not necessary) that two studs 18 will be mounted on each side of helmet 20. Correspondingly, FIG. 2 illustrates chinstrap 12 having four straps 14, each with a connector 16.

FIGS. 3-8 illustrate connector 16 and stud 18 in detail. It should be appreciated that connector 16 and stud 18 together form a known fastening mechanism, such as the “Pull-It-Up Fastener” offered by Sailrite (which individual components can be seen at http://www.sailrite.com/Pull-It-Up-Fastener-Button-Key-LL and http://www.sailrite.com/Pull-It-Up-Fastener-7-16-Machine-Screw-1-4-Short-Key-RR respectively). The connector and stud are illustrated by themselves in FIGS. 3-8, i.e., not affixed to a chinstrap or helmet, respectively, for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a connector 16 and stud 18 of the helmet fastening system of FIG. 1, in an engaged or fastened position. FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, front side and front sectional views of the connector and stud of FIG. 3, in a disengaged or unfastened position. FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, front side and front sectional views of the connector and stud of FIG. 3, in the process of engaging or disengaging. FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, front side and front sectional views of the connector and stud of FIG. 3, in an engaged or fastened position. FIG. 7 is a front exploded view of the connector and stud of FIG. 3. FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, front exploded and front exploded sectional views of the connector and stud of FIG. 3. Connector 16 comprises a housing 32, an actuator 22, and a collar 34. Housing 32 comprises a recess 50 and an underside with an opening 52 into the recess.

Actuator 22 comprises (i) an upper grasping portion 28 extending outside of housing 32 (ii) a resilient, radially-expanding enlarged lower portion 26, and (iii) a middle portion 24 connecting the lower portion to the upper grasping portion. Lower portion 26 is radially-expanding in that portions of lower portion 26 move outward (away from the longitudinal axis) when outward force is applied by the enlarged head of the stud 18, as discussed below. Lower portion 26 is resilient in the portions of lower portion 26 that move outward (away from the longitudinal axis) when outward force is applied by the enlarged head of the stud return to their original positions when the force from the stud is removed. Actuator 22 is movable within the recess and along a longitudinal axis of the housing between a first position (illustrated in FIG. 6) in which the actuator engages the stud to retain the connector to the helmet and a second position (illustrated in FIG. 5) in which the actuator disengages the stud to release the connector from the helmet. Upper grasping portion 28 is adapted to enable a user to move actuator 22 from the first to the second position. Mechanical fastener 30 (which may comprise, e.g., a rivet) affixes upper grasping portion 28 to actuator 22. Spring 36 biases actuator 22 downward into the first position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

Recess 50 has an upper portion (the portion in which, in FIG. 6, approximately the top half of the spherical enlarged head 40 of stud 18 resides) sized and shaped to receive at least a top portion of the enlarged head, and a lower portion having an inverse frusto-conical shape that is wider at a top end and narrower at a bottom end.

When connector 16 is affixed to a strap of a chinstrap, the bottom portion of housing 32 protrudes through a hole in the strap, and collar 34 is press-fit, or threaded (or otherwise affixed) to the protruding bottom portion of the housing. Thus, strap 14 is sandwiched between housing 32 and collar 34, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

Stud 18 comprises an enlarged, generally spherical head 40, shoulder 42, and post 44. When stud 18 is affixed to a helmet (such as helmet 20 of FIG. 9), post 44 (which is typically threaded) protrudes through a hole in the outer shell of the helmet and nut 46 is threaded onto post 44. Thus, the outer shell of helmet 20 is sandwiched between shoulder 42 and nut 46, as illustrated in FIG. 9. However, there are multiple ways in which the stud could be embodied and affixed to a helmet. For example, the stud may comprise an enlarged spherical head affixed to a mounting flange (which would typically, although not necessarily, have a larger diameter than shoulder 42 (in such an embodiment, shoulder 42 and/or post 44 would likely, but not necessarily, be omitted)). In such an embodiment, the mounting flange may be affixed to the interior or exterior of the outer shell of the helmet, such as by way of multiple screws or nuts and bolts, or by way of an adhesive, welding, or any suitable fastening method. In another embodiment, the end of the post opposite the enlarged head could form a rivet that is flattened and expanded after the post is placed through a hole in the helmet, thereby securing the stud in position. The stud could also be molded as an integral part of the helmet. While embodiments of the invention are described herein in which the stud projects outward from the helmet, in alternative embodiments of the invention the stud may project inward from the helmet such that the connector and stud are mated inside the helmet.

The components of connector 16 and stud 18 are further illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 which illustrate, respectively, a front exploded view and a front exploded sectional view, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

In operation, the enlarged lower portion 26 of the actuator extends at least partly under the enlarged head of the stud when the connector and stud are engaged and the actuator is in the first position. This is illustrated in FIG. 6. The narrower end of the lower portion of the recess restricts outward movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator, thereby trapping the enlarged head within the recess and restricting separation of the connector and the stud. In other words, when an attempt is made to separate the connector and the stud without lifting the upper grasping portion (i.e., when the attempt is unintended, perhaps due to snagging of an opposing player's equipment or uniform on the connector or when significant force is applied to the helmet during player-to-player contact), the enlarged head of the stud attempts to push out (radially) the enlarged lower portion of the actuator. However, outward movement is restricted by the narrower end of the lower portion of the recess. As such, the connector and stud cannot readily be separated when the actuator is in the first position.

When it is desired to separate the connector and stud (i.e., to purposely disengage the chinstrap, such as to remove the helmet), upper grasping portion 28 is lifted, which in turn lifts actuator 22 into the second position (illustrated in FIG. 5). When the actuator is in the second position, the wider end of the lower frusto-conical portion of the recess allows outward (radial) movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator (the outward movement is caused by movement downward ((i.e., away from upper grasping portion 28) and along the longitudinal axis of connector 16) of the enlarged head of the stud as it begins to exit from recess 50), thereby allowing the enlarged head to fully exit recess 50 and allowing separation of the connector and the stud. After the connector and stud are separated, upper grasping portion may be released and spring 36 causes actuator 22 to return to the first position, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

When it is desired to again engage the connector and stud (to engage the chinstrap), the connector is pushed down onto the stud, such that the stud enters the recess. As the stud enters the recess, the enlarged head of the stud pushes the actuator up and into the second position (illustrated in FIG. 5). With the actuator in the second position, the wider end of the lower frusto-conical portion of the recess allows outward (radial) movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator (the outward movement is caused by movement upward ((i.e., toward the upper grasping portion) and along the longitudinal axis of the connector) of the enlarged head of the stud as it begins to enter the recess), thereby allowing the enlarged head to fully enter the recess. Typically, it is not necessary to lift the upper grasping portion to engage the connector and stud (but it could be done), as the force of the stud entering the recess causes the necessary upward movement of the actuator into the second position. Once the connector and stud are engaged, the spring causes the actuator to return to the first position.

The embodiment of the invention described above may be retrofitted to an existing helmet that uses the old style “snap” type connector by simply replacing the male portion(s) of the “snap” type connector on the helmet with stud(s) 18 and replacing the chinstrap with a chinstrap having one or more of connector 16.

The generally spherical shape of the enlarged head of the stud, coupled with the generally circular cross-sectional shape of the connector (in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), enable the connector to rotate and change angle about the stud without disconnecting. This ability to rotate prevents mechanical stresses to the connection point caused by movement of the chinstrap, and also enables the chinstrap to be secured in multiple positions and at multiple angles thereby increasing the comfort of the wearer.

One potential shortcoming of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2 is how far the engaged connector and stud project from the outer shell of the helmet, presenting a potential snag point. Alternative embodiments which address this shortcoming are illustrated in FIGS. 10-17. In the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 10-17, connector 16 is affixed to strap 14 as described above. However, rather than being affixed directly to the outer shell of the helmet as described above, the stud is affixed either within a recess defined in the outer shell or within a recess assembly mounted in or adjacent a hole defined in the outer shell. The recess or recess assembly is sized such that at least a portion of the stud is below the surface of the outer shell, and also such that at least a portion of the connector is below the surface of the outer shell when the connector is attached to the stud.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, a recess assembly 60 is mounted in a hole defined in the outer shell of helmet 20. Recess assembly 60 comprises wall portion 62, floor portion 64 affixed to and closing off one end of wall portion 62, and flange 66 affixed to an opposite end of wall portion 62 and extending outward from the wall portion. Stud 18 is affixed to floor portion 64. Recess assembly 60 is mounted in the hole in the outer shell of the helmet such that flange 66 is flush with the outer surface of the outer shell, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B. Recess assembly 60 may be affixed to the outer shell of the helmet using screws or bolts inserted through holes 68, or any other suitable method of affixation. Backing washer 70 may be mounted flush to the inner wall of the outer shell as illustrated in FIG. 13 for additional strength and rigidity, if desired. As illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the recess assembly may be generally cylindrical in shape, or may have a different shape if desired.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, recess 80 is molded into the outer shell of helmet 90. The molded recess comprises wall portion 84 and floor portion 82. One end of wall portion 84 abuts the outer shell and floor portion 82 abuts and closes off an opposite end of wall portion 84. Stud 18 is affixed to floor portion 82. The molded recess may be generally cylindrical in shape, or may have a different shape if desired.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, recess assembly 100 is mounted adjacent the hole in the outer shell of the helmet such that flange 102 is flush with the inner surface of the outer shell. Recess assembly 100 may be affixed to the outer shell of the helmet using screws 104, bolts, or any other suitable method of affixation.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, recess assembly 110 is similar to recess assembly 60 of FIGS. 10-13. However, in recess assembly 110 the outer surface of the wall portion is threaded and the inner surface of backing nut 112 is correspondingly threaded as illustrated in FIG. 16. As such, the threaded mating of recess assembly 110 and backing nut 112 secures recess assembly 110 in place.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, recess assembly 120 has a flange that is affixed to the wall portion at a predetermined distance from the outer end of the wall portion (i.e., the end opposite the floor portion). As illustrated, the distance corresponds to the thickness of the outer shell. As such, recess assembly 120 is mounted in the hole such that flange 122 is flush with the inner surface of the outer shell and the outer end 126 of the wall portion is flush with the outer surface of the outer shell. Recess assembly 120 may be affixed to the outer shell of the helmet using screws 124, bolts, or any other suitable method of affixation.

In either the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-17 or in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, stud 18 that is mounted within a recess or recess assembly may comprise an enlarged, generally spherical head 40, shoulder 42, and post 44. When stud 18 is mounted in the recess or recess assembly, post 44 (which is typically threaded) protrudes through a hole in the floor of the recess or recess assembly and nut 46 is threaded onto post 44. Thus, the floor of the recess or recess assembly is sandwiched between shoulder 42 and nut 46, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. However, there are multiple ways in which the stud could be embodied and mounted within the recess or recess assembly. For example, the stud may comprise an enlarged spherical head affixed to a mounting flange (which would typically, although not necessarily, have a larger diameter than shoulder 42). In such an embodiment, the mounting flange would be affixed to the floor of the recess or recess assembly, such as by way of multiple screws or nuts and bolts, or by way of an adhesive, welding, or by any suitable fastening method. Alternatively, the stud could be formed (such as by molding) as an integral part of the floor of the recess or recess assembly.

Alternative embodiments of the invention comprise a helmet assembly that enables a facemask to be very quickly (typically less than two seconds) removed in its entirety from a helmet, or partially released from the helmet so that the facemask may be pivoted out of the way. In the helmet assembly of embodiments of the invention, the facemask is selectively affixed to the helmet using quick release fasteners, such as the type described above, which enables the facemask to be quickly and easily affixed to the helmet, and quickly and easily removed from the helmet.

This quick release fastener enables the facemask to be removed from the helmet in a fraction of the time it takes to remove a facemask that has been conventionally attached to a helmet. Removing the entire mechanical facemask structure gains quicker access to the athlete's face, neck, and airway when needed. Also removing the entire facemask makes it much easier to remove the entire helmet when needed, as the helmet can now be spread apart (at the face opening) quickly and easily. This cannot be done with the rigid facemask attached, especially if the entire frame is not cut off the helmet. Sometimes the mask gets cut leaving the frame attached to the helmet, which makes it very difficult to spread the helmet in the conventional design.

Female quick release fasteners are affixed to conventional loop clamps or clips (as described below), which are conventionally mounted on a conventional facemask itself. Male pins or studs are mounted on the helmet and secured by the stock helmet “T” nuts or held by aftermarket fastener hardware. When the female fastener is pushed onto the male pin, the facemask makes a secure connection to the helmet just as if it was bolted in its original configuration. To gain quick access to an athlete's face, neck, and airway in the event of injury, releasing the female fasteners by pulling back on the head or grasping portion of the female fastener allows quick removal of the face guard allowing quick access to the face, neck and athlete's airway. Embodiments of the invention also enable facemask to be changed (e.g., with a different style) quickly and easily on the sideline.

It takes too long to remove conventional facemasks because they are bolted to helmets using plastic or metal clamps and are attached using screws and nuts. Tools or special cutters are needed to remove the facemask in emergencies. Embodiments of the invention provide an improvement on what currently exists by enabling quick removal of the helmet facemask without any tools.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a helmet assembly comprises a helmet 140 (which may be a conventional helmet, but with the conventional affixing hardware removed), a facemask 142, and a plurality of female connectors 16 directly or indirectly affixed to the facemask 142. A plurality of male studs 18 are affixed to the outer shell of the helmet 140. The male studs mount to the helmet (in any suitable manner, and may be integral with the helmet) making the connection point for the female fastener (described below).

The female connectors 16 may be affixed to the facemask in any suitable manner, such as by using conventional loop clamps 144 (as illustrated). As is conventionally known, each loop clamp 144 comprises an encircling portion 152 (which entirely or partly encircles a corresponding portion of the facemask) and one or more extended portions 154 (two extended portions are shown, which would be typical for a loop clamp that entirely encircles the corresponding portion of the facemask) projecting from opposite ends of the encircling portion 152. Each extended portion 154 defines a mounting hole 156, and the mounting holes are aligned with each other as seen in FIG. 20. As is conventionally known, each loop clamp 144 is affixed to the facemask 142 by at least partially encircling a corresponding portion of the facemask, as seen in FIGS. 18-20.

To affix the female connectors to the facemask using loop clamps, the loop clamps are placed on the facemask in the desired positions. The loop clamps may be mounted loose or fixed to the facemask (by welding, molding, bolting, etc.). The protruding bottom portion of the housing 32 of the female connector 16 is then inserted through the aligned mounting holes 156 of the loop clamp. The collar 34 of the female connector 16 is then affixed to the protruding bottom portion of the housing 32, such as by being friction- or press-fit or threaded or the like. Thus, the extended portions 154 are sandwiched between housing 32 and collar 34, or press fit. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the collar 34 may be positioned between the two extended portions. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the contour of one or both of the mounting holes 156 may be shaped to correspond to the contour of the collar 34 (in FIG. 20, it is the bottom mounting hole that is so shaped). In some embodiments of the invention, such as if there is a tightly molded hole for collar 32, the collar 34 may not be required in order to affix the female connectors.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 uses four quick release fasteners to secure the facemask to the helmet; however, any desired number of quick release fasteners may be used. Conventional helmets typically use four conventional fasteners, and it may be desirable to simply replace the conventional fasteners with the quick release fasteners of embodiments of the invention.

Each of the female connectors 16 is selectively matable to a corresponding male stud 18 by pushing the female connector 16 onto the corresponding stud. To engage the female fastener to the male pin, simply line the female fastener up with the male pin and push to engage them. Each of the female connectors 16 is selectively releasable from a corresponding male stud by pulling the upper grasping portion 28 of the female connector 16 upward (i.e., away from the male stud) and moving the grasping portion along a longitudinal axis of the female connector from a first position to a second position. This will release the male stud from the female connector and allow the female connector to be pulled away from the male stud, thereby allowing the facemask to be pulled away from the helmet.

The selective mating of the female connectors and the male studs enables the facemask to be selectively affixable to the outer shell of the helmet by selectively mating each of the female connectors to a corresponding one of the studs, and enables the facemask to be selectively removable from the outer shell of the helmet by selectively releasing each of the female connectors from a corresponding one of the studs.

Conventional helmets and facemasks may be retrofitted with quick release connectors in accordance with embodiments of the invention. First, the existing conventional hardware that currently mounts a facemask to a helmet is removed. These typically include plastic loop clamps that go entirely or partly around the facemask and are held to the helmet with screws. The male studs 18 are installed directly on the helmet in the existing holes that received the conventional screws. Some or all of the conventional screw connections may be replaced with the quick release connectors. The male pins can be mounted using the existing helmet “T” nuts, threads molded in the helmet, or aftermarket hardware. The desired number of loop clamps are installed on the face mask by opening the loop clamp and slipping it over the facemask guard. The loop clamps should be installed in line to match the location of the male pins that are installed on the helmet. After the loop clamps are installed, the female fasteners are affixed to the loop clamps as described above. Now the facemask can be affixed to the helmet by mating the female connectors to the corresponding male studs, as described above.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the male fastener could be mounted on the face mask and the female fastener mounted on the helmet. This opposite mounting arrangement would still allow removal of the face mask. The female fastener could be mounted inside the helmet within a foam pad. If there is an injury, the pad could be removed exposing the female fastener. The male stud would be mounted to or welded to the facemask, or otherwise constructed integral to the facemask.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the entire fastener could be recessed from the outside of the helmet in a similar manner as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 9-17 for attaching the chinstrap. The female fastener may be fully recessed such that the top of the female fastener is flush with the outer shell of the helmet. In such an arrangement, opposing gaps or channels may be formed in the helmet shell to enable a user's fingers to grasp the female fastener and pull it up to release.

Leaving the top, front two quick release fastener systems fastened (or keeping the top, front two conventional helmet fasteners installed) and disconnecting the two opposing side quick release fasteners would allow the facemask to pivot upward to gain access to the face, neck and airway. Leaving one of the quick release fasteners fastened on either side fastened (or keeping one of the side conventional helmet fasteners installed) and releasing the top front quick release fasteners and the opposite side quick release fastener would allow the facemask to pivot to the side.

Currently, tools are required to remove facemasks that are conventionally affixed to helmets, which take precious time in the event of an injury. Many teams don't even have the have the required tools to remove a conventional facemask. Some helmets take different tools to cut the facemask off, requiring equipment managers to stock different tools. Embodiments of the invention use no tools to remove the facemask from the helmet. Simply pulling back on the female fastener allows the mechanism to disconnect from the male pin quickly. This gains quick access to the athlete or wearer of the helmet in the event of a face, head or neck injury, or in the event the wearer wants to quickly change facemasks.

Embodiments of the invention can be used on other equipment that could benefit from a quick release mechanism. For example, sports, military, or other related equipment that is worn or that needs a quick release type of mechanism can also use this release system.

As used herein, the term “affixed” is meant to encompass both mechanical or adhesive fixation of initially separate components, unless otherwise indicated, and also to encompass construction of multiple described components as a single, unitary piece. For example, the stud is described herein as being affixed to a helmet. This could mean mechanical affixation as illustrated in FIG. 9 (or other types of mechanical or adhesive fixation), or could mean that the helmet and stud are molded together as a single, unitary piece.

The components of embodiments of the invention described herein may be constructed out of any suitable material or materials. For example, the stud to which the connector is affixed may be constructed of steel, stainless steel, plastic (any suitable type of plastic), Kevlar, carbon fiber, composite materials, or any other suitable material. The recess assembly may be constructed of steel, stainless steel, plastic (any suitable type of plastic), Kevlar, carbon fiber, composite materials, or any other suitable material. The chinstrap may be constructed of plastic (any suitable type of plastic), fabric, metal, or any other suitable material. The connector may be constructed of steel, stainless steel, plastic (any suitable type of plastic), Kevlar, carbon fiber, composite materials, or any other suitable material.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A helmet assembly comprising: a helmet comprising an outer shell and a plurality of studs affixed to the outer shell; a facemask; and a plurality of female connectors directly or indirectly affixed to the facemask, each of the plurality of female connectors (i) selectively matable to a corresponding one of the plurality of studs by pushing the female connector onto the corresponding stud and (ii) selectively releasable from a corresponding one of the plurality of studs by pulling a grasping portion of the female connector and moving the grasping portion along a longitudinal axis of the female connector from a first position to a second position; wherein the facemask is selectively affixable to the outer shell by selectively mating each of the plurality of female connectors to a corresponding one of the plurality of studs; and wherein the facemask is selectively removable from the outer shell by selectively releasing each of the plurality of female connectors from a corresponding one of the plurality of studs.
 2. The helmet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of loop clamps, each loop clamp affixed to the facemask by at least partially encircling a corresponding portion of the facemask; wherein each of the plurality of female connectors are affixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps, such that each of the plurality of female connectors is indirectly affixed to the facemask via the corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps.
 3. The helmet assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of studs comprises an enlarged head; and wherein each of the plurality of female connectors comprises: a housing comprising a recess and an underside with an opening into the recess; and an actuator movable within the recess and along a longitudinal axis of the housing between a first position in which the actuator engages the corresponding stud to retain the connector to the stud and a second position in which the actuator disengages the corresponding stud to release the connector from the stud; wherein the actuator comprises (i) the grasping portion which extends outside of the housing and is adapted to enable a user to move the actuator from the first to the second position, (ii) a resilient, radially-expanding enlarged lower portion, and (iii) a middle portion connecting the lower portion to the grasping portion, wherein the recess has an upper portion sized to receive at least a top portion of the enlarged head of the corresponding stud and a lower portion comprising an inverse frusto-conical shape that is wider at a top end and narrower at a bottom end; wherein the enlarged lower portion of the actuator extends at least partly under the enlarged head of the corresponding stud when the actuator is in the first position, with the narrower end of the lower portion of the recess restricting outward movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator, thereby trapping the enlarged head of the corresponding stud within the recess and restricting separation of the connector and the corresponding stud; wherein, when the actuator is in the second position, the wider end of the lower portion of the recess allows outward movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator, thereby allowing the enlarged head to exit the recess and allowing separation of the connector and the corresponding stud.
 4. The helmet assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of female connectors further comprises a spring to bias the actuator toward the first position.
 5. The helmet assembly of claim 3, wherein each loop clamp comprises an encircling portion and one or more extended portions projecting from opposite ends of the encircling portion, each extended portion defining a mounting hole; wherein each of the plurality of female connectors further comprises a collar that is selectively affixable to a lower portion of the housing; and wherein each of the plurality of female connectors is affixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps by inserting the lower portion of the housing through the mounting hole of each of the one or more extended portions and affixing the collar to the lower portion of the housing.
 6. A method of affixing and removing a facemask to and from a helmet, the method comprising: positioning a facemask adjacent a helmet, the helmet comprising an outer shell and a plurality of studs affixed to the outer shell, the facemask having a plurality of female connectors directly or indirectly affixed thereto; affixing the facemask to the helmet by pushing each of the plurality of female connectors onto a corresponding one of the plurality of studs; removing the facemask from the helmet by pulling a grasping portion of each of the plurality of female connectors and moving the grasping portion along a longitudinal axis of the female connector from a first position to a second position.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein each one of a plurality of loop clamps is affixed to the facemask by at least partially encircling a corresponding portion of the facemask; and wherein each of the plurality of female connectors are affixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps, such that each of the plurality of female connectors is indirectly affixed to the facemask via the corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of studs comprises an enlarged head; and wherein each of the plurality of female connectors comprises: a housing comprising a recess and an underside with an opening into the recess; and an actuator movable within the recess and along a longitudinal axis of the housing between a first position in which the actuator engages the corresponding stud to retain the connector to the stud and a second position in which the actuator disengages the corresponding stud to release the connector from the stud; wherein the actuator comprises (i) the grasping portion which extends outside of the housing and is adapted to enable a user to move the actuator from the first to the second position, (ii) a resilient, radially-expanding enlarged lower portion, and (iii) a middle portion connecting the lower portion to the grasping portion, wherein the recess has an upper portion sized to receive at least a top portion of the enlarged head of the corresponding stud and a lower portion comprising an inverse frusto-conical shape that is wider at a top end and narrower at a bottom end; wherein the enlarged lower portion of the actuator extends at least partly under the enlarged head of the corresponding stud when the actuator is in the first position, with the narrower end of the lower portion of the recess restricting outward movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator, thereby trapping the enlarged head of the corresponding stud within the recess and restricting separation of the connector and the corresponding stud; wherein, when the actuator is in the second position, the wider end of the lower portion of the recess allows outward movement of the enlarged lower portion of the actuator, thereby allowing the enlarged head to exit the recess and allowing separation of the connector and the corresponding stud.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of female connectors further comprises a spring to bias the actuator toward the first position.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein each loop clamp comprises an encircling portion and one or more extended portions projecting from opposite ends of the encircling portion, each extended portion defining a mounting hole; wherein each of the plurality of female connectors further comprises a collar that is selectively affixable to a lower portion of the housing; and wherein each of the plurality of female connectors is affixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of loop clamps by inserting the lower portion of the housing through the mounting hole of each of the one or more extended portions and affixing the collar to the lower portion of the housing. 